Chapter Twenty Seven

(Note: Back to present)

Khushi was sitting down at the table as Etta placed breakfast down. She placed Arnav’s coffee down and Khushi’s iced caramel latte as well. Khushi just sat there as she had flashbacks of their past. Within a few minutes, Arnav came in, dressed up and ready for work. The two ate quietly, no one saying a word.

Arnav finished his breakfast and whipped out his phone. He went through his contacts and dialed a number and left the room. Khushi finished up as well and went up to their room and got Arnav’s coat. Even though winter was ending, it was still pretty chilly outside. She found Arnav in the living room, going through a file and talking on the phone.

“I want all those files transferred and saved into the system,” Arnav said into the phone, and then hung up.

He placed the file down on the coffee table and turned to see Khushi holding his coat. She looked adorable in her knit, natural white sweater and black leggings, her hair up in a bun.

Example of Khushi's Outfit

Arnav went over to her and turned so that Khushi could put his coat on for him.

When Arnav faced her again, Khushi said “don’t stay out for too long. I know you have that lunch with the Russians, but try not to stay outside for too long. And don’t drink that ice cold water from your mini-fridge – you’ll get a sore throat.”

Khushi finished buttoning his coat and turned to leave, when Arnav stopped her. He held her from behind, his arms wound around her waist.

“How is it that you’re still here,” he muttered against her ear. “You’re such a strong girl Khushi.”

Khushi looked straight forward. “I’m being strong for the both of us.”

“Hmm….” He turned her around and cupped her face, looking at her for a few seconds and said “thank you.”

“For what,” Khushi asked confusedly.

“For last night.”

Of all the times that Khushi had soothed Arnav at night, this was the first time he had ever made any comment about it.

“You’re welcome,” Khushi replied, unsure of what else to say.

Arnav smiled lightly and kissed her for a good minute or so. He nuzzled her right cheek and said “see you in the evening,” and then pecked her cheek again and left.

Khushi stood still for a second and then went to the door. Arnav had just gotten into the elevator and when he saw her, he lightly smiled. Khushi smiled as well and gave a little wave before he completely disappeared, the doors closing and hiding his beautiful face. Khushi went back in and went towards the kitchen.

“It’s pretty cold today, isn’t it, “Etta said as Khushi came into the kitchen.

“Yeah, its chilly.”

“How about a nice cup of hot cocoa?”

“With marshmallows?”

“Done.”

Etta prepared the hot chocolate as Khushi sat at the island. Khushi felt really confused. She couldn’t understand what was going on at all. Well, of course, Arnav’s behavior just recently was different, but could it be because he’s starting to change?

Etta handed Khushi her hot chocolate and Khushi went off to the terrace and walked around the whole floor. As she sipped on her hot cocoa, Khushi went into thought.

Why is Arnav so complicated, she wondered. What could be the reason?

She took another sip of her cocoa.

I need to find out. In all this time, I haven't gotten a single answer! Where am I going wrong?!

And then it hit her.

There is a way to find out. ... And there's only one person I can get those answers from.

*~*

Taking the train down to Brooklyn, Khushi headed to her destination to talk to one specific person - Anjali. Anjali meant the world to Arnav and if Khushi was going to find answers, she would have to go to the main source, which was Anjali.

Getting a transfer, Khushi got on the bus and headed to Bay Ridge, one of the richest spots of Brooklyn, or so some say. Khushi gazed out the window, gazing at the houses. All the while, she just kept thinking of Arnav. Ever since she had started thinking of her's and Arnav's past, that was all she could think about. She soon arrived to her stop and got off the bus. She walked her way to the Raizada House and rang the bell.

"Who is it," a voice hollered.

The door opened, revealing Anjali.

"OMG! Khushi," Anjali exclaimed, and she hugged Khushi. "What are you doing here," she asked, pulling away. "I wish you told me you were coming," she pouted. "Then I would've made a feast for us!"

Khushi shyly shook her head. "Actually, it was just a last second thing."

Anjali scrunched her eyebrows. "You mean you came here for the heck of it?"

Khushi shook her head. "No, I didn't mean  it like that-"

Anjali giggled. "I'm just messing with you. So what's up?"

"Um... well, the thing is... there was something I wanted to talk to you about."

Anjali scrunched her eyebrows again. "About what?"

"... about Arnav," Khushi whispered.

Anjali's eyebrows shot up as her eyes slightly widened.

"... why does he act like the way he does?"

"Wha-what do you mean," Anjali asked, crossing her arms.

"Why does Arnav have those nightmares," Khushi asked softly.

Anjali's eyes widened, her eyes filled with fear.

Khushi reached out and held Anjali's hands. "Please, you have to tell me. Please Anjali, please tell me."

Anjali snapped from her trance and looked back at the house and then at Khushi. "Just wait here a minute."

Before Khushi could say anything, Anjali released herself and went back into the house, shutting the door. Khushi stood there for a few seconds, when the door opened again, revealing Anjali in her coat.

"Come with me," Anjali simply said.

*~*

Anjali had taken Khushi with her in her car, a BMW to be exact, and drove down to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Anjali got out without a word and Khushi followed. Anjali made her way to the benches and stood by the railing, gazing out to the city. She took a deep breath, taking in the fresh air of the city. Khushi just looked at Anjali as Anjali relaxed.

"My mother always loved this area," Anjali said. "Of course, Brooklyn Bridge Park didn't exist until recently. But before, my parents, Chote and I would go to Pier 17, right there, across the river in Manhattan," Anjali said, pointing at the small, red building. "Especially to Battery Park - my mother loved it so much, she would want to go every other week, though my father complained, saying that we should go to other places as well," she chuckled.

Khushi smiled lightly, liking that she was getting some information on Arnav's and Anjali's mother. Of course, Arnav had told her a little something about her before, but Khushi was always curious to know more.

Anjali looked at Khushi and Khushi's smile disappeared to Anjali's serious face. Khushi gulped as Anjali turned to her.

"Khushi, there's a reason why I brought you here," Anjali said.

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows.

"Chote and I don't usually talk about Ma that much. We keep it to ourselves. But the reason why I'm telling you a bit about her, is because I trust you. ... I also trust you enough to tell you about my Chote."

Khushi's eyes widened slightly to Anjali's revelation.

Anjali sat down at a bench behind them and gestured Khushi to sit down beside her. Khushi did so and looked at Anjali.

Anjali gazed out to the harbor. "Ma always had a deep connection to Chote. Chote loved her as well. He loved her very, very much. Sometimes, I would even get jealous of the bond," Anjali sightly chuckled.

Khushi smiled faintly.

"Chote was always hung onto Mumma. He was like a Mama's Boy," Anjali chukled. "She was all Chote could think of when we were little. For every holiday, he would always want to do something special for Ma. Like on Mother's Day, he would bug me into making breakfast for her, and then he'd tell her that he did it all, taking all the credit," she chuckled.

Khushi smiled.

"One time, for mother's day, Chote wanted to make a cake. I told him that he couldn't do the baking because he was young, so he decided to mix the cake batter. I was in the other room to keep Mumma distracted when we heard a clatter. We both went running in to see Chote completely covered in flour," she laughed.

Khushi couldn't help but to laugh as well.

"It was just hilarious! Poor Chote went into a fit and was crying ridiculously, saying that he ruined- no, destroyed, mother's day! The poor thing. The whole day, he had locked himself in his room! Ma kept asking if she could come in, but he refused. Finally, he had let her in and Ma soothed him, telling her that it was his love that mattered." She sighed. "Everything was perfect in our small world. But then...."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Then...?"

Anjali sighed and looked up at the clouds. "Mumma loved Papa very much - oh so very much! Chote would get jealous sometimes, but Ma would always tell him that she secretly loved him more," she smiled. "Anyways, Mumma really loved our father. He was her world, besides us that is. ... but then she found out that he was cheating on her."

Khushi's eyes widened. Arhat cheated on her, she wondered completely bewildered.

"Chote was still young.... He... he was going to Mumma's room and when he got there, he... he... saw Mumma hanging," and Anjali broke into tears.

Khushi looked at Anjali wide-eyed and in shock.

"I still remember Chote screaming that day, shrieking loudly and trying to help her. I came running in and I was in shock, but I had to run and help! I just had to! But it was too late and...."

Anjali covered her face as she cried, Khushi holding her shoulder as she shuddered with tears in her eyes, her throat closing as she felt a lump build in it.

Anjali sniffled and wiped her tears away. "When... when Mumma was cremated... Chote didn't allow Papa to do anything. Chote had completed all the rituals that day. As Mumma turned into ashes before our eyes, Chote was also turning to ashes. Only, while Mumma was becoming a pile of ashes, Chote was shedding a layer and was becoming a completely different person." Anjali sniffled. "He blamed himself that day. He blamed himself, saying that he couldn't do anything for our mother. He was supposed to be her biggest love, but he had let her down. Thinking that, a new thought developed in his head - that Mumma hadn't truly loved him enough like he had. And since then, he felt like it was his fault."

Khushi broke into tears as she heard what Anjali said. She had never expected to hear anything like this from her. Not ever! But to hear this made Khushi's heart pit.

"Since then, Chote's thoughts had changed. His feelings for Mumma had even changed. Soon, he... he began to hate Mumma," Anjali cried. "Him! My Chote! The one who was crazy for our mother... and he," and Anjali cried even more.

Khushi hugged Anjali as the two cried.

"I'm so sorry Anjali," Khushi said through her tears. "I had never expected such a big revelation. I'm so sorry for bringing this up. I never should've asked. By asking I've brought out such a miserable truth. If i was never curious.... If I'd never met your brother, then-"

"Shh, don't say that," Anjali said as she snapped away from Khushi. "You really are what your name says - happiness. Of all these years without Mumma, I have always seen my brother stiff. Ever since you came into his life, my brother has learned to smile again. He's learned to laugh, to enjoy! He's learned to live life again! And that's all because of you Khushi - only because of you. When I saw him smile at the navratri party, I knew-I just knew at that point that you were a gift sent from my mother from up above." Anjali caressed Khushi's face. "You really, truly are my Chote's happiness - Arnav's Khushi," she smiled as a tear flowed down her cheek

Khushi looked into Anjali's humble eyes, unsure of what to say.

Anjali gave her a hug. "Keep my brother happy Khushi. He's dealt with enough in his life, that too from a young age. Don't let him suffer anymore."

*~*

After the two ladies had recovered from their tears, they were ready to leave. Anjali offered to drop her off, but Khushi had decided to just take the train.

There was a place Khushi wanted to go to before going home.

Chapter Twenty Six

Arnav sat down in the living room and was tying his shoes on when I came in. We had just eaten breakfast, though breakfast was very quiet. Not once did Arnav say anything, nor even look at me. Could it be because of last night? But for which part? Whichever it was, I'm more concerned for his nightmare. I mean he looked so fragile last night, like he might break!

"Arnav," I began softly, "what did you dream of last night?"

Arnav looked up at me as he adjusted his shoe. I gulped, his expression boring through me.

He stood up and stood right in front of me. "Don't ever ask me that again," he nearly whispered. "Understood?"

I looked at him, confused. "I don't understand- I mean why?" I caressed his face with my hand, Arnav looking at it and then back at me. "I just want to help you," I said softly, looking into his eyes.

For a second, I can swear on it, he looked fragile. His expression had softened for a straight moment, but it went right back to his stern expression, but his eyes were the giveaway.

"No one can help me," he said, looking straight into my eyes.

My lips parted slightly as I scrunched my eyebrows, looking at him in confusion.

Arnav's eyes showed even more vulnerability. "No one has... nor will ever be able to."

He moved my hand away and walked out of the room and left the apartment, leaving me there to stand alone. What does he mean by that? No one can help him? I'm sure if he told someone his problems then he could be helped. But... he said no one has, which means... he told some people? But it didn't work? And what does he mean by "ever be able to"? Is it that bad of a thing?

I'm so confused.

But I'm not willing to give up. Maybe there's a reason why He up there brought me into his life - so that I can help him "recover" from this problem of his. And to be honest, I don't think what he said is true.

And whatever it is, I will find out.

Suddenly, I heard click-clack's and I turned to see... Kalavati?

She looked at me with a smirk and I just looked at her confusedly.

What was she even doing here?

Out of nowhere, she began to clap. "Wow. I must say, just simply wow," and she stopped clapping.

"What do you mean," I asked.

Kalavati leaned against the wall. "I just find it... funny. How you're trying to get to Arnav."

I scrunched my eyebrows.

She looked at me seriously. "Understand one thing - no one, and I mean no one, will be able to help Arnav," and she stood straight again.

"How do you know," I asked, crossing my arms.

She smirked lightly and looked at the floor, and then back at me. "I'm closer to him than you think," and she turned to leave.

I heard the doors shut, but I still stood there confused. What in the world does she mean? Closer to him than I think? And how does she know so much? I mean yeah, they're step-siblings, but he's not that close with her. Then... what?

*~*

Around 7:30, Arnav came home. He came straight up into the room and placed his briefcase. I was in the dressing room and came back through the bathroom. Going over to him I helped him take off his jacket. I moved in front of him, somewhat surprising him and began to unbutton his waistcoat. Arnav just looked at me as I began to remove it.

I could feel his warmth radiating off of his body. And his cologne... oh that smell of him.... I couldn't help myself but hug him, burying my face in his chest. I know it surprised Arnav somewhat because I felt him flinch. But he recovered in a split second and held me around my waist. We just stood there a few minutes, holding, feeling, and embracing each other. I could hear his heartbeat, running in that rhythm that it would always do when we're in those romantic moments. And I knew right there that my Arnav was back. Even if it was for that short moment, I knew my Arnav was here.

Pulling back, I caressed his face. Suddenly, the urge to kiss him built.

"Arnav-"

But before I could say anymore, Arnav covered my lips with his. There was hunger in his kiss and I knew that if we continued, then it would lead on to something else.

And if it led on to something else... I don't want him to be that controlling way.

I pulled away. "Arnav," I breathed.

"Yeah?"

He kissed me again, and I could tell he was in the mood. He didn't seem like he was going to be rough, but I had other things to worry about.

"Arnav... please," I asked, pulling away

But Arnav's mouth traveled along my neck and shoulder. I felt butterflies in my tummy, but I refused to crumble to his touch. I needed to find out what Kalavati meant.

I held onto his shirt above his abs and tried to pull him away. "Arnav- Arnav, please. I- I need to ask you something."

But Arnav held on tightly. "Please Khushi, just drop it."

I shook my head. "It's not about that."

This time Arnav did let go. "What do you mean?"

I noticed Arnav's tie somewhat wrinkled, and I refused to let that happen. I mean its an Armani tie! I quickly worked on it to remove it and Arnav knew my peeve over his stuff getting ruined.

"Um... actually," I began, "it has to do with Kalavati," I whispered in the end.

I felt Arnav stiffen at the sound of her name.

"What," he asked sternly.

"Kalavati said that nobody will ever be able to help you." I looked up at him as I placed the tie on the bed. "What does she mean?"

Arnav began to fume and I knew then that gone was the Arnav who was here a few minutes ago, being the passionate man I love. His eyes grew with fury and anger and by his expression, I could tell that he was trying to control himself from going over the edge. He shut his eyes and clenched his fists, his veins outlining on his skin.

"Khushi," and he opened his eyes, "don't ever, EVER, talk to that bitch again. Never ever again."

I scrunched my eyebrows. "But why? You're not-"

"I don't care! Just don't ever speak to her again." He turned to go to the bathroom, when he looked back at me. "It's for the best," and he left to take a shower.

What is it between him and Kalavati? Did the two get into a really big fight or something? Or is this really some step-sibling hatred?

*~*

Time went by, winter going away slowly and spring approaching. The snow was melting off the ground and rain was coming to take its place. But one thing for sure - the dark clouds remained. Not just in the skies, but above our heads. 

Constantly, Arnav and I would get into fights. It was becoming the usual between us. Arnav would argue and fight with me and then try to hurt me. He would return home at night and I would be sad and angry. Although Arnav never said it himself, I could tell by his expressions that he would get mad at himself as well, but he'd never admit it if I were to ask. But the outcome of our fights were always the same - every night, Arnav would cry out in his sleep and shout and tumble. He would wake up sweating and panting, looking scared to death. After that, I would give myself to him to comfort him. But it not only helped him, but it helped me because this was the only time Arnav was truly loving me. When we would have sex, it was more of the deed, like we were just fucking, but in darkness of night, love was always pure. 

At the end of it, I would always ask him what he dreamt of. But never would he tell me what he dreamt of. Never. But whatever it was, I was determined to find out.

Thinking of all that has happened between us still surprises me. How is it that I got this creature that is called a man? Not even. He was too beautiful to be called "man". I looked back up at him and looked at his angelic face, him asleep, breathing lightly against my forehead. I nuzzled his chest and held him tighter than before. Instinctively, Arnav's hold tightened as well, and I lightly smiled.

I will find out these dark parts to him.

No matter what.

Chapter Twenty Five

It was late night, around 1:30 AM. Arnav was busy in a meeting and it had finally ended and he just wanted to go home. Nigel drove him home and Arnav headed in and went up the elevator. He arrived to the 73rd floor and entered the penthouse.

Etta had heard and came in. "Sir, would you like your dinner now?"

Arnav shook his head. "No thanks, I'm not hungry. I'm just gonna head up and go to bed."

Etta nodded and left. Arnav headed up in the private elevator and went to the top floor. He entered his room and saw Khushi in bed, facing away from him. But Khushi wasn't asleep. She only had her eyes shut, pretending to be asleep. Khushi just couldn't fall asleep because she was waiting for him to come home, feeling restless until his presence was around.

Arnav headed to the bathroom and washed up, taking a quick shower. He went into the dressing room and got into his PJs and went back to the bedroom. He climbed into bed and got under the blanket.

Arnav turned towards Khushi and held her around her waist as he looked over her. "Khushi," he softly called out.

Khushi said nothing, continuing to pretend that she was asleep.

"Khushi, I know you're awake," he said softly.

It surprised Khushi how he knew that she was awake, but she made no physical reaction and kept her eyes shut.

Arnav got irritated. "Khushi cut the crap out and look at me when I'm calling you!"

Khushi snapped and got up and faced him. "I will get up if I want to get up and you can't order me! You can't control everyone and everything! So calm your balls down!!"

Arnav's temper rose as Khushi turned to lie back down again, when Arnav grabbed her arm and made her turn around. Khushi whipped right back around and Arnav moved his other hand up and entangled it in her hair so that she would look at him, and Khushi held herself from crying out in pain, pursing her lips.

"I can do as I please," Arnav said dangerously.

Khushi's chest heaved, feeling pain and being scared. "Why," Khushi asked boldly. "Because you had a fucked up past?"

Khushi knew it had to be that because nothing else would make sense of his problem.

Arnav looked at her with anger-filled, wide eyes. He tossed her back, yanking his hand out of her hair, hurting her in the process, making her cry out. He pinned her back against the bed, holding her wrists beside her head.

"Take back what you said," Arnav huffed.

Khushi looked him straight in the eye. "No."

*Slight Mature Content*
Arnav dived in to her neck and began to suck on it. Khushi screamed from the sudden move as Arnav moved his hands under her v-neck and squeezed her molds over her bra. Khushi did not like the sudden gestures at all screamed again. But Arnav didn't pay any mind to it and pushed her breasts out of her shirt and began to suck on them. He bit down on her swells, making Khushi cry out in pain. Khushi began to cry from the pain and her tears streamed down her face.

Arnav had moved to her neck and felt her tears. He let go and looked up and saw the tears streaming down her face as she looked at him. Arnav felt something in him, and he just couldn't see her in tears. He got up immediately and went out to the terrace, trying to figure out what the stir within him was. Khushi turned away and cried herself to sleep, unable to believe that he is the same man that she fell in love with.

*~*

It was around 4 in the morning when Khushi's sleep was disturbed. There was a sound of a scream and Khushi woke wide awake, breathing heavily. She felt Arnav behind her and turned to see him tossing and turning, mumbling something. His eyes were still shut and Khushi thought he must be having a nightmare.

"Arnav," Khushi called out.

She grabbed his arm and began to push him awake. Arnav was still tossing his head so Khushi caressed his face and patted his cheek.

"Arnav, wake up," Khushi said.

Arnav woke up, his eyes wide in fear and horror. He was covered in sweat, panting really hard. Khushi wiped the sweat off of his forehead and caressed his face again.

"Arnav, are you okay?"

Arnav looked at her and Khushi looked at him worriedly. He pulled her into a hug, turning them to her side, pushing her into the bed. He kissed her on her lips, all over her face, her neck and shoulders.

"Give yourself to me," Arnav said in a shaky voice. "Please."

Khushi entangled her fingers in his hair. She had never seen Arnav in such a state. He seemed so vulnerable, so weak. She couldn't stand the sight. She felt Arnav shake in her arms and she wanted to comfort him.

Khushi nodded. "Okay," she whispered.

*MATURE CONTENT*
Arnav groaned on her lips and kissed her hungrily. Khushi responded to his kiss and held onto him tightly. Arnav began to tug on the hem of Khushi's v-neck, so Khushi arched her back up and let Arnav take it off. She wasn't in her bra (because it's bad to sleep in it -> can cause breast cancer), so her top half was completely exposed to him. Arnav disposed his own shirt and pulled Khushi up so that she sat in his lap. Arnav looked into Khushi's eyes and Khushi looked into his, both breathing heavily. Arnav cupped Khushi's breasts in his hands and Khushi looked down at them. He brushed her nipples against his, making Khushi gasp at the contact.

"Arnav," Khushi whispered.

Arnav began to knead them, making Khushi throw her head back in pleasure. He placed fluttery kisses on her chest and Khushi held onto his hair. Arnav moved his hands down and began to tug on Khushi's PJs. He lifted her up and lowered them and then completely disposed them, along with her panties. Khushi helped him to get rid of his boxers and both sat there bare and naked.

Arnav needed things done fast, so he took out a condom and rolled it on. Once he did, he placed Khushi over him and both groaned in satisfaction. Arnav moved her along his member, loving the feeling of being within her. He placed her back on the bed and pumped in and out of her. Khushi's hands were on the sides of her head, Arnav's fingers entangled through hers. Arnav thrusted faster with each thrust as she felt her body clench around his member.

Khushi felt her climax coming. "Arnav," she moaned.

Arnav was also about to hit his high, so he thrusted faster. Within a few thrusts, both of them hit their peaks, Khushi moaning and Arnav grunting. Arnav gave three more thrusts and then pulled out and collapsed on her.

*~*

When everything began to clear around me, I realized that Arnav was lying on my stomach, breathing against it. He was sated and calm - really calm. Just a few minutes ago, he looked scared to death and now it was as if nothing happened. But what was it that he dreamt that caused him to get so scared?

I put my fingers through his hair, making Arnav flinch slightly. I guess he was stuck in thought as well. He moved his head along with my fingers and sighed peacefully against my stomach. He was definitely feeling comfort at the moment.

"Arnav," I whispered softly. "What did you dream of?"

Arnav looked up at me, a hint of fear in his eyes. He didn't say anything, but just looked away and then came off of me. He went back to his side of the bed and went to sleep. I just looked at him for a few moments, feeling confused.

What is it that he dreamt, that he can't even tell me?

Chapter Twenty Four

The city was shining brightly outside, as the lights of the skyscrapers illuminated the clear night sky. Snow was melting slightly, just like how my heart was. After Arnav's... actions, he had gone to the bathroom to wash up and take a shower. I laid still in bed, completely shocked. 

Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was Etta, saying that dinner was ready and I managed to get my voice back and said that I would be right down. Etta left and I got up and picked up my clothes from the floor. I looked at my bags and knew I would have to unpack them, so i went out and entered Arnav's walk-in closet from the other side and left everything in there.

Taking the private elevator down, i entered the kitchen. Etta had dinner ready and placed. I sat down and got my plate. I didn't eat, and just sat there quietly, zoned off, until Arnav came in. When he sat down and began to dig in, I did as well. We both were quiet and we just ate.

*~*

That night, I did sleep in Arnav's room. He had gone off to bed and had fallen asleep instantly. I just laid there, facing the other way, remembering back to how he had acted with me an hour or so ago. It was just to much of a surprise. I mean he had never acted like that before. Ever! He was always so loving and caring.... Not even just in bed, but as a person. And now hes....

A tear escaped my eyes and i quickly wiped it away and sniffled. Arnav turned slightly behind me and I quickly got up and went to the bathroom. I held onto the slab of the sink and looked in the mirror. Another tear had escaped, and I quickly wiped it away. 

I refuse to cry. I knew from the start that there was something about Arnav. Something secretive about him. I knew from the day i met him that he had some baggage, so I shouldn't break down now. 

I looked at myself in the mirror. I was down and weak, and I refused to be that. I've gone through problems before, and if I could hold myself up then, then I can do it now. I washed my face and dried it with one of the towels and stood up straight and strong. I will do whatever it takes to "cure" Arnav.

Even if that means his crazy fuckery.

And then the next morning... well....

*~*

(narrator takeover, since Khushi doesn't like talking about this part)

Arnav woke up and noticed that Khushi wasn't there. He got up and looked around the room but she wasn't there. Not even in the gallery or bathroom. 

She must've left, he said in his head.

After washing up, Arnav headed down and saw Khushi, making breakfast. Arnav looked at her confusedly. She was making breakfast? Even after what had happened the night before? She's still here? But....

Arnav leaned against the counter and watched Khushi. 

She doesn't seem to be in pain, he said in his head. 

"Khushi are you okay," he asked.

Khushi looked up. "Um... I feel... slightly sore...."

Arnav smirked. "Bound to happen," and he sat down at the table.

"You seem to know a lot about sex," Khushi said, not looking at him, placing his mug of coffee down.

Arnav chuckled as he took a sip. "A lot is an understatement."

Khushi came around and placed Arnav's breakfast down. Arnav began to eat and Khushi drank some OJ. Khushi wanted to ask something, but didn't know if she should. In the end, she decided to.

"So what were your past relationships like," Khushi asked.

Arnav stopped his mug from reaching his lips halfway. He looked up at Khushi. "Do you really wanna know?"

Khushi nodded.

Arnav placed his mug down. "Well... I used to have wild sex. I would... go all out, and the girls did the same, that is, if I told them to."

Khushi was beginning to regret asking her question.

"And if I were stressed," he continued, "I would need sex immediately to let it out. So, if I needed to, I would pay for it."

"But why do you do it," Khushi asked, looking up at him.

Arnav's expression fell. "You don't need to know, "he simply said, yet with a coldness to his voice.

But Khushi didn't hear it. "I don't understand; why not?"

Arnav stood up abruptly, surprising Khushi, making her stand up. "Do you not understand English," Arnav asked, approaching her like a predator approaches its prey. "You don't need to fucking know!"

Khushi was near the island. "But why?"

*Mature Content*

Arnav got mad and pushed her harshly back against the island. 

"Ah! Arnav-"

"Listen to me, and listen to me very carefully Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta..."

Khushi looked up at him wide eyed, really scared by the evil stare he was giving her.

"Do not ask why when I told you not to ask. If you continue to go against what I say, then I will fuck you every time you ask."

Yet for some reason, Khushi ignored it.

"Why," Khushi whispered.

And Arnav's temper rose even more. He picked Khushi up and laid her back on the island. Khushi yelped in surprise and was about to sit up, when she felt Arnav shove her skirt up.

"Arnav what are you-?"

Khushi could say no more because Arnav dived his mouth right in to that spot, making Khushi yelp.

"Ah! Arnav, stop please," Khushi exclaimed.

But Arnav didn't listen and continued for his own pleasure, Khushi still screaming, though she had gotten lost in pleasure, cursing herself for being responsive. She grabbed onto his hair tightly and fisted it, but Arnav didn't stop. When he felt her getting wet, he entered his finger, making Khushi yelp once more. 

Arnav came up and looked at Khushi, while still moving his finger in and out of her. "Don't ever ask me again," he breathed, and put in another finger. "Is that understood?"

Khushi was about to hit her climax and just as she was about to, Arnav withdrew and left her, walking out of the room. 

*~*

I gasped for air, my eyes wide and I stared up at the ceiling. My breath choked up in my throat as I heard Arnav on the phone as he looked through one of the closets. His voice became smaller and smaller, and I heard the door being slammed shut. At the sound of it, I snapped back to earth and quickly got up and ran to the bathroom. I shut the lid of the toilet seat and sat on top of it. Within seconds, tears broke free and I cried, covering my face with my hands. 

What happened?! What happened to the Arnav I met?! What happened to the Arnav I knew?! Why is this happening?! Why is he like this?! 

I cried even more and I don't even know how long I was in there. But I knew it must've been sometime because Etta had knocked on the door and asked if I was okay.

I wiped my tears away. "I'd like to be alone," I simply said.

"Okay," and she left.

I got up and washed up. I splashed water on my face and looked up at my reflection. My eyes were puffy and red, my face expressionless. I turned to wipe my face with the towel and quickly got out of the bathroom, walking straight past Etta. I went up to our room and locked the door and sat on the bed.

As i sat on the bed, I realized that there must be something to it. And I'm positive of it because a man cannot go from full-hearted to... an animal. There must be something to why Arnav does what he does. 

And I will find out.